Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

• 

  Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By GGates31 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I have just bought the Ford Explorer and it is a great vehicle. I was considering a GMC Envoy but he price is too high and the interior and safty features are just not as good.

• 

  Its all truck - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Dave Waldner - February 28 - 7:00 pm

  I bought it because my brother had previously owned it and after he traded it for a car he desperately wanted it back. It was lady driven between his and my ownership and she didnt want to part with it either. I bought it with 158000 kms and I use it like a real truck same as both previously did. It has hauled quads, loads of frozen meat, sand, and now I haul my 1300 lb lawn mower in the truck bed. Its got lots of power and its fun to drive. I also love the way it looks. Ive been getting between 23 - 28 mpg on the average week of work and play.

• 

  Love the car, hate the chintzy interior - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Carole Child - February 27 - 8:56 pm

  I really like my Ford Focus Wagon; its good looking, zippy, reliable (so far) pretty good on gas around town, excellent on the road. I am not happy with the inferior interior ... when the drivers seat is back as far as it will go there are wires exposed, seat runners and handles exposed and clothing keeps getting caught on the handles. I am a very large person and I find the drivers space very comfortable, unfortunately the back seats are cramped. No space for women to put their purses. Some feature in the trunk for grocery bags, hooks, cut-outs whatever, so groceries arent rolling all over car. Would I buy it again ... you bet!

• 

  Needs help in three areas. - 2005 Ford F-150
  By Allan - February 27 - 6:23 pm

  HVAC controls. Limited choices. Slow to heat or cool. Bad fogging problem outside front windshield at engine vent. Visteon compressors are lame. Premium sound system: NOT! Poor controls/performance. Horrible speaker layout and too few of them. Low quality plastics everywhere and very little in the way of convenience areas compared to GMC or Dodge XLT. 4.6L V-8 Heritage engine dates from a decade ago. Low HP, torque & MPGs. Not particularly smooth, especially when A/C is running. Still, I paid $10K less than a Titan or Tacoma - so I can live with the gripes.

• 

  Great Car. - 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Pat - February 26 - 8:26 pm

  I started out with a Â’95 Crown Vic, which I bought used. In the 8 or 9 years that I owned it, I never had a break-down or any problems mechanically or otherwise. I also average about 5mpg better than the EPA rating. However I had the opportunity to drive a new one, while my car was getting some bodywork done. And well, old reliable is getting an upgrade. These cars are comfortable, have plenty of power, and corners like theyre on rails. There is definitely a reason why all of the police departments depend on them. I could easily drive this for another 10 or more years, but some of the new features, like an available moon roof, and the front bucket seats, have me thinking about upgrading.

• 

  Explorer Sport Trac - 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Michael - February 26 - 2:13 am

  I was in the market for a new or used vehicle that made since for home ownership and a new baby boy. I owned a 2004 Ford Ranger and enjoyed it, but needed more room for two small dogs, and the three of us. I was looking at the Toyota Tacoma but found the price and the fact that you had to use premium fuel ludacris. I didnt make it to the Nissan dealership for the frontier quad cab but went through USAA and ended up buying the Explorer Sport Trac that night below invoice. This vehicle is a "SUT" Sport Utility Truck according to my insurance policy. What more could you want, reminds me of an F-150 with suv comfort, and a truck feel.

• 

  Great 2Dr SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  By PMR - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a great value for the money. Roomy enough for 4 people, 5 people is a squeeze. Solid interior build. Have had no problems in over 1 year of ownership.

• 

  Best option out there - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Randy in Omaha - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I just completed 6 months and 7500 miles with my Escape, and I still think its the best of the small SUVs. The ride is firm but not "truck-like" and the acceleration and handling are superb. I have found no defects and needed no repairs. I had an Explorer a few years back that turned out to be pretty crappy, so I was a bit concerned with buying another Ford. So far, I have been very pleased with the decision.

• 

  Must Drive It....... - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Dan1234 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Expedition I had, the 2003 is the smoothest riding truck Ive ever owned. You must drive it to see. The floor mats that come with it are very cheap for the cost of the truck and the front seats could use a little more cushion...

• 

  Focus ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By jbarber - February 26 - 2:00 am

  great car, fun to drive